Amazon Referral Fee 2025: Full Product Categories

Amazon is one of the largest ecommerce platforms, offering sellers access to a global audience. However, selling on Amazon comes with associated costs, including Amazon referral fee.

These fees range from 5% to 45% of an item’s sale price, depending on the product category. Understanding these fees is essential for sellers looking to optimize their pricing strategies and maintain profitability. 

What is Amazon Referral Fee?

Amazon referral fees are the commission charges Amazon collects from third-party sellers for every item sold on the platform. 

These fees apply regardless of whether the seller uses Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or ships products independently. The Amazon FBA referral fee is based on the total sales price, which includes the item’s cost and shipping (if applicable). 

The FBA referral fee compensates Amazon for providing the platform, marketing, and customer base. It ensures that sellers benefit from Amazon’s extensive traffic, streamlined logistics, and buyer trust. 

How to Calculate the Amazon Referral Fee?

The Amazon referral fee is calculated as a percentage of the total price. 

Amazon provides a standard referral fee percentage for each product category, and sellers must pay this fee regardless of their fulfillment method. The calculation is straightforward: 

Amazon Referral Fee = (Total Sale Price) x (Referral Fee Percentage for Product Category)

For example, if a seller lists a product with a sale price of $100 in a category with a 15% referral fee, the Amazon referral fee would be $15. 

Minimum Referral Fee

Amazon imposes a minimum referral fee for certain categories. If the calculated referral fee is lower than the minimum fee, the seller must pay the minimum amount instead. 

For instance, if a product has a $1 minimum referral fee but the standard percentage would result in a $0.50 charge, the seller must pay $1 instead. 

Referral Fee Percentage 

The standard referral fee percentage varies across different categories. Some categories have lower fees, such as electronics (8$), while others, like jewelry (20%), have higher charges. Knowing these fees is crucial for pricing products competitively. 

What Is the Amazon Referral Fee Rate for Different Product Categories?

Amazon categorizes products into different groups, each with a corresponding referral fee. Some notable Amazon referral fee categories include: 

  • Apparel & Accessories: 17% 
  • Beauty & Personal Care: 8% 
  • Consumer Electronics: 8% 
  • Furniture: 15% 
  • Jewellery: 20% (or minimum of $2)
  • Watches: 16% 
  • Books, Music, and DVDs: 15% 
  • Toys & Games: 15%

Amazon provides detailed Amazon referral fees by category chart, which sellers should reference when pricing their products. 

2025 Amazon Referral Fee Changes

Amazon periodically updates its fee structure. In 2025, Amazon has introduced changes to referral fees in select categories, aiming to optimize pricing structures for sellers and improve platform efficiency. 

Some key updates include: 

  1. Decreased Fees for Low-Price Products: Certain categories have reduced referral fees for products priced below a set threshold. 
  2. Higher Fees in High-Margin Categories: Amazon has adjusted fees for premium product categories to align with market trends. 
  3. Introduction of New Category Tiers: Some product categories now have tiered referral fees based on pricing. 

Sellers must stay updated with Amazon’s 2025 referral fee changes to adjust pricing and remain competitive. 

Difference Between Amazon Referral Fee and Other E-commerce Platform Fees

Unlike Amazon, other ecommerce platforms have different fee structures. Here’s how Amazon’s referral fees compare to competing platforms.

Etsy Fees 

Etsy charges a 5% transaction fee on the total order amount, including shipping. However, Etsy also imposes a listing fee of $0.20 per item and an optional advertising fee for promoted listings. 

eBay Fees 

eBay’s fee varies based on the listing category and seller status. Most sellers pay a final value fee of 12.9%, which includes the item’s price, shipping, and taxes. Unlike Amazon, eBay allows sellers to list items for free up to a certain limit. 

Walmart Marketplace Fees 

Walmart Marketplace charges referral fees ranging from 6% to 15%, depending on the product category. 

Unlike Amazon, Walmart does not charge additional fulfillment fees unless the seller opts for Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). 

Shopify Fees 

Shopify does not charge referral fees but requires sellers to subscribe to a monthly pricing plan. Transaction fees range from 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction when using external payment processors. 

How Do Amazon Referral Fee Affect Seller Profits?

Amazon referral fee directly impact seller profits by reducing the amount sellers receive per sale. 

Since the Amazon referral fee is deducted before the seller receives payment, sellers must account for these costs in their pricing strategy. 

To maintain healthy profit margins, sellers need to: 

  • Factor Amazon referral fees into pricing calculations. 
  • Monitor category-based fee variations. 
  • Optimize shipping and fulfillment strategies. 

Role of Amazon Referral Fee in Amazon’s Revenue Model

The Amazon referral fee is a significant component of Amazon’s revenue model. It allows Amazon to maintain a commission-based structure while providing sellers with access to its vast customer base. 

In addition to referral fees, Amazon generates revenue through: 

  • Fulfillment Fees (FBA by Amazon fees)
  • Advertising Fees (Amazon PPC)
  • Subscription Services (Amazon Prime and Professional Seller Accounts)

How Can You Manage the Referral Fees and Maximize Your Profit?

To minimize the impact of Amazon referral fees and maximize profitability, sellers should implement strategic pricing and fulfillment techniques. 

Understand the Amazon Referral Fee Structure 

Sellers must thoroughly understand what Amazon referral fees are in their specific category. Keeping track of fee updates ensures accurate cost calculations. 

Optimize Your Product Pricing 

A seller’s pricing strategy should reflect the Amazon referral fees while remaining competitive. 

Factoring in referral fees, fulfillment costs, and advertising expenses helps maintain a profitable price point. 

Use Amazon PPC

Investing in Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising can help sellers increase visibility, leading to higher sales volume and offsetting referral fee costs.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is Referral Fee on Amazon?

Amazon charges sellers a referral fee, which is a percentage of the total Amazon seller sale price, depending on the product Amazon referral fees by category.